Community News

Oswego Music Hall continues its Open Mic Friday series on February 9. Shows begin at 7:00 PM; sign-ups at 6:30.       

Guest Host, Mark Wahl, leads off Open Mic Friday and will be followed by performers who sign up that night. Performers have the option to enter the juried songwriter’s competition held every open mic. Winners will perform at the Music Hall’s Season Finale Emerging Artist Showcase to be held May 11.

Doors open at 6:30 with sign-ups taking place then and throughout the evening, as space allows. Musicians typically play three songs each.

All ages and experience levels are welcome. Budding performers, singer-songwriters and musicians of all genres are given an opportunity to perform in a supportive environment using cutting edge professional sound and lighting equipment.

Mark is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and luthier. He has been around the local acoustic music scene for decades and is known by many as the former director of the Ontario Center for Performing Arts (the Oswego Music Hall). A graduate of the State University of New York College at Oswego, Mark retired from his business in design and general contracting to direct his full energies to his music, the Oswego Music Hall, and his luthierie shop where he produces and repairs fine acoustic instruments.

Mark’s songs are often poignant vignettes with powerful use of metaphor and simple, compelling melodies. Mark’s 2018 CD release “Circadia” was nominated for best Album in the “Americana” category of the SAMMYs (Syracuse Area Music Awards). Mark’s popular 2013 CD “Everything Returns” was recorded with his trio “Canvas Moon”. Please visit https://www.markwahlguitars.com/ for videos and information.

Scheduling guest hosts for Open Mic Fridays is Coordinator Bryan Dickenson. Open Mics are held on the Friday night prior to Saturday’s National Stage concert. Admission is by a cash or check donation. Please check the Oswego Music Hall website, Facebook, or Instagram page for further information.

The wheelchair accessible venue is located in the McCrobie Civic Center, on 41 Lake Street in Oswego. It is adjacent to Breitbeck Park and overlooks Lake Ontario and the Oswego Harbor. The atmosphere is intimate with candle-lit tables surrounding the stage with light refreshments available. Cash or check only at the door.

Oswego Music Hall is a family-friendly, non-profit organization that has been run entirely by volunteers since its inception in 1977. Volunteers can earn admission to shows through various tasks — from event support to making popcorn. Students can also earn credit for community service. To volunteer, email Volunteer Coordinator Michael Moss at [email protected].

Find more information online at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ or email [email protected].

Concerts are made possible in part with funding by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the governor and New York Legislature. Other major supporters are the City of Oswego and Shineman Foundation. 

Oswego Music Hall Events Calendar

Feb 9                      Open Mic w/Mark Wahl opening

Feb 10                    Driftwood 

Feb 17                    Jazz by the Lake

Feb 23                    Open Mic w/Kenny Roffo opening

Feb 24                    Vance Gilbert, w/Cam Caruso opening

Mar 2                      Imagining Kerouac, curated by Don Masterson

Mar 8                      Open Mic w/Jane Zell opening

Mar 9                      Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen

Mar 16                    Jazz by the Lake

Mar 22                    Open Mic w/Frank Stefanek and Julie Clement opening

Mar 23                    Shawna Caspi and Rachael Kilgour (Women in Music Series)

Apr 12                    Open Mic w/Mark Zane opening

Apr 13                    Big Sky Quartet

Apr 20                    Jazz by the Lake

Apr 26                    Open Mic w/Larry Kyle opening

Apr 27                    Livingston Taylor 

May 11                   Sam Robbins (Season Finale, Emerging Artists Showcase)